Media

Wild dog control off Andrews' agenda

12 May 2015

The Melbourne Labor Government has quickly shown its lack of interest and understanding of rural and regional Victoria by cutting both the wild dog bounty and aerial baiting program in its first State Budget.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the government was solely focused on political outcomes in Melbourne at the expense of farmers and regional communities.

“It is beyond belief that the Melbourne Labor Government thinks it’s acceptable to axe two key elements of the wild dog control program,” Mr Walsh said.

“Wild dogs are cunning, vicious and destructive pests. We need an integrated approach using every method available to control them.

“Over the past four years, landholders and government have worked together to deliver community baiting programs and ensure we had a holistic approach to wild dog control including trapping, shooting, ground baiting, aerial baiting, fencing and good animal husbandry.